Indian diaspora in the United Arab Emirates
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Approximately 4 million (2025 est.)[1][2] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Dubai | ~2,000,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | ~800,000 |
| Sharjah | ~720,000 |
| Ajman | ~200,000 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | ~120,000 |
| Fujairah | ~100,000 |
| Umm Al Quwain | ~60,000 |
| Languages | |
| Malayalam, Hindi, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, English, Arabic | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Indian diaspora, Non-resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin, South Asian diaspora, Desi | |
The Indian diaspora in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the largest expatriate community in the country, significantly shaping its economic, cultural, and social landscape. As of 2025, approximately 4 million Indians reside in the United Arab Emirates, constituting about 35.25% of the total population of 11.346 million.[1][2] This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Indian diaspora, covering their history, demographics, contributions, cultural presence, challenges, and role in India–United Arab Emirates relations.
History
Pre-oil era (before 1960s)
Indian migration to the UAE dates back centuries through maritime trade. Historical ties between India and the Arabian Gulf are traced to the 3rd millennium BCE.[3] Indian merchants played significant roles in the pearling industry and early commerce.[4]
Post-independence period (1947–1970s)
Following Indian independence in 1947, Indian businesses began flourishing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Gulf rupee, issued by the Reserve Bank of India, remained in circulation until the UAE introduced the dirham in the 1960s, reflecting continued economic ties.[5]
Oil boom migration (1970s–1990s)
Following the discovery of oil, large-scale labour migration from India surged, particularly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Workers were recruited for the construction industry, shipping, and energy sectors.[6]
Contemporary period (2000s–2025)
Indian migration diversified in the 21st century to include IT professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and international students. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant return migration, population numbers rebounded post-2022.[7][8]
Demographics
Population overview
As of 2025, Indians comprise 35.25% of the UAE’s population of 11.346 million.[1][2] According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 3.57 million Overseas Indians were documented in 2024.[9]
Geographic distribution
- Dubai: ~50% (2 million)
- Abu Dhabi: ~20% (800,000)
- Sharjah: ~18% (720,000)
- Other Emirates: ~12% (480,000)[10]
Regional and linguistic composition
| State of Origin | Percentage | Approximate Number |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 35% | 1,400,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | 15% | 600,000 |
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | 14% | 560,000 |
| Maharashtra | 10% | 400,000 |
| Punjab | 8% | 320,000 |
| Gujarat | 7% | 280,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh & Bihar | 6% | 240,000 |
| Karnataka | 3% | 120,000 |
| Other States | 2% | 80,000 |
Socioeconomic profile
| Category | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blue-collar workers | 65% | Construction, Logistics, Manufacturing |
| White-collar (non-professional) | 20% | Clerical, sales, administrative roles |
| Professionals & entrepreneurs | 15% | Engineers, doctors, IT specialists, business owners |
| Dependents | ~10% | Non-working family members |
Economic contribution
Remittances
| Year | Total to India (USD bn) | UAE Share (%) | UAE Contribution (USD bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 118.7 | 19.2 | 22.8 |
| 2024 | 129 | ~19.2 | ~24.8 |
| 2025 (est.) | ~133 | ~19.2 | ~25.5 |
Entrepreneurship and business
- Over 40,000 Indian entrepreneurs own small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE, contributing approximately $37 billion in investments.[13]
- Prominent Indian-led conglomerates include Lulu Group, Landmark Group, Thumbay Group, Aster DM Healthcare, and NMC Health.[14]
- Over 200 Indian-founded technology startups since 2020 have raised more than $1.2 billion in funding.[15]
Education and institutions
The United Arab Emirates hosts over 75 schools affiliated with Indian curricula, primarily the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). These institutions serve the educational needs of the Indian diaspora while also attracting students from other expatriate communities due to their academic standards and affordability.[16]
Notable Indian schools in the UAE
- The Indian High School, Dubai – Established in 1961, it is the oldest and largest Indian curriculum school in the UAE.
- Delhi Private School – A network of CBSE-affiliated institutions operating in Dubai and Sharjah.
- Our Own English High School – Part of GEMS Education, it is one of the most recognized Indian schools in the region.
- Woodlem Park School, Dubai – Offers CBSE curriculum and is part of the wider Woodlem Education network.
- Sharjah Indian School – Operated by the Indian Association Sharjah, serving a large student population.
These schools are recognized for their role in preserving Indian educational values abroad while integrating with the multicultural educational landscape of the UAE.
Culture and community
The Indian diaspora has made a significant cultural impact on the United Arab Emirates, maintaining vibrant traditions and contributing to the country’s multicultural fabric.
Religious institutions
Several religious centers across the UAE cater to the spiritual needs of the Indian community:
- BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi – The largest Hindu temple in the Middle East, inaugurated in 2024.[17]
- Shiva and Krishna temples – Historic Hindu temples located in Bur Dubai, serving worshippers since the 1950s.
- Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai – A major Gurdwara serving the Sikh community.
- Markaz, Dubai – An Islamic center active in religious education, interfaith engagement, and youth activities.
- Jamia Sa'diya Center – An Indian-run Islamic educational and cultural center operating in the UAE, promoting Sunni scholarly tradition and Arabic learning.
Festivals and associations
- Major Indian festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Holi, Onam, and Navratri are widely celebrated through public events and community gatherings.
- Prominent community organizations include the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Association Sharjah, which organize social, educational, and welfare initiatives.
- Indian culture is also represented in national heritage platforms such as the Saadiyat Cultural District, where Indian exhibitions and partnerships have been prominently featured.[18]
Challenges
Despite their vital contributions to the UAE economy, many members of the Indian diaspora—particularly low-income migrant workers—continue to face structural and legal challenges.
- Labour issues: Migrant workers, especially those in construction, domestic work, and other blue-collar sectors, often face issues related to unpaid wages, occupational safety, long working hours, and limited access to legal recourse.[19]
- Kafala system and visa dependency: The UAE’s residency framework ties legal status to employer sponsorship under a modified form of the Kafala system, limiting mobility and bargaining power for many workers.
- Labour law reforms (2024–25): Recent updates to the UAE Labour Law include:
- Maternity leave increased to 60 days.
- Introduction of flexible work models (e.g., remote work, part-time, temporary, and job-sharing roles).
- Expedited dispute resolution: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) decisions are now legally enforceable for claims up to AED 50,000.[20]
India–UAE relations
| Initiative | Year | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEPA | 2022 | Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at $100 billion in non-oil trade.[21] | UPI–AANI | 2024 | Integration of India’s UPI with UAE’s AANI for cross-border digital payments.[22] | GIFT City Fund | 2024 | UAE pledged $4–5 billion in investments in India's GIFT City and infrastructure.[23] |
Notable people
- Yusuff Ali M.A. – Chairman of Lulu Group
- B. R. Shetty – Founder of NMC Health and UAE Exchange
- Firoz Merchant – Businessman and philanthropist
- Rushdi Bin Rasheed
- Noufal Ahmed
See also
- Indians in the Middle East
- India–United Arab Emirates relations
- South Asian diaspora
- Migrant workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council region
References
- ^ a b c "Indian population in UAE reaches nearly 4 million: Reports". Siasat. 14 December 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "United Arab Emirates (UAE) Population Statistics 2025". Global Media Insight. 7 April 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ Onley, James (2007). The Arabian Frontier of the British Raj. Oxford University Press. pp. 32–39.
- ^ Al-Sayegh, Fatma (1998). "Merchants' Role in a Changing Society". Middle Eastern Studies. 34 (1): 87–102.
- ^ Heard-Bey, Frauke (1996). From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates. Longman. pp. 248–250.
- ^ Vora, Neha (2013). Impossible Citizens. Duke University Press. pp. 41–68.
- ^ Khadria, Binod (2014). "Skilled Labour Migration". ILO.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Pethiyagoda, Kadira (22 July 2020). "COVID-19 and the Indian Exodus". The Diplomat.
- ^ "Indian Population by Country 2025". Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Indian Community in UAE". Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "India's Remittance Trends 2024". 20 March 2025.
- ^ "India got 14.3% of global remittances in 2024". 2 January 2025.
- ^ "Indian SMEs in the UAE". February 2025.
- ^ "Top 10 Indian Business Groups in the UAE". 17 March 2024.
- ^ "Indian Founders Lead UAE's Technology Startup Scene". April 2025.
- ^ "Indian Schools in the UAE". Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi".
- ^ "India in focus at UAE cultural district". The Times of India. 30 May 2024.
- ^ "UAE migrant workers: Rights concerns persist". 22 February 2023.
- ^ "UAE Labor Laws 2025". 24 April 2025.
- ^ "CEPA". 24 February 2025.
- ^ "Dubai Conclave on UPI–AANI".
- ^ "India–UAE Investment Profile".